HOUSE PANEL REVIEWS NEW FOOD SAFETY LEGISLATION
News Date May 02, 2008
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held the first of a series of hearings on April 24 on comprehensive legislation to ensure the safety of the nation's food, drug, medical device and cosmetic supply. The draft bill would give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) more funding and authority to address a number of food safety issues, including labeling, recalls, testing, and imports (see April 22 NASDA News story).
The Health Subcommittee is chaired by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) who expressed concern about recent food recalls and declining consumer confidence about food safety. All of the lawmakers agreed that FDA needed more resources, money and manpower, but many disagreed on specific proposals in the legislation dealing with user fees and port-of-entry restrictions. Some lawmakers are concerned that port-of-entry inspection requirements would mean some states would have to further ship imported foods to other states for testing, which would add additional costs. Food industry representatives who testified expressed concerned that proposed user fees would cause an increase in food prices and place a heavier burden on consumers. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)